We’ve spent some time on the bwin podcasts talking about the legal situation for poker in the US and the impact of the UIGEA, and US Senator Jon Kyl’s name features prominently in those discussions, as he was one of the primary Republicans responsible for ramming the UIGEA down everyone’s throat (despite most Americans not supporting it or even kowing what it is).
It seems Mr. Kyl is losing what few fans he has, even among conservative Republicans such as himself, as this lengthy condemnation appeared recently at Breitbart.com. Some highlights include:
“As there are a number of areas where the conservative movement takes issues with administration objectives, this is a target-rich environment. A strong stand here could show America what the Republican Party stands for and what the party will fight for. So, is Kyl standing up for improvements in the health care bill, reduced federal spending, or limits on federal power? No, he is not. Sadly, Sen. Kyl is wasting this powerful, one-shot weapon to register his dissatisfaction with the administration’s granting of a delay in implementing Internet poker and gaming-related financial regulations — a delay that was requested by his fellow Republicans.”
“The bottom line is that UIGEA is completely unworkable and unenforceable. Many traditionally conservative organizations agree that the act needs to be fixed. These groups include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, many financial institutions and credit unions, Americans for Tax Reform, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute. As a result of the many problems with UIGEA, twenty-one Republican lawmakers wrote to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to ask him to delay implementation of the regulations that enact key provisions of the law for six months. Included in this group are Senator Mitch McConnell, the entire Kentucky Congressional delegation, Rep. Peter King, and Rep. Ron Paul. Only two wrote in support of UIGEA — Sen. Kyl and the hapless Rep. Spencer Bachus.”
“Additionally, not so many Americans even see poker as a values issue these days. Every state but Utah and Hawaii has legalized some gaming. Poker is a very popular game on television as well as at kitchen tables and computer screens in homes of many everyday Americans. Poker players have even organized themselves. The Poker Players Alliance, chaired by former GOP Senator Alfonse D’Amato, boasts a membership of over one million. This group is active in mobilizing its membership and has a strong presence on Capitol Hill.”